2020 NISSAN 370z 50th ANNIVERSARY

2020 NISSAN 370z 50th ANNIVERSARY: TESTDRIVENOW QUICK TAKES

• New 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition package pays homage to Z® heritage
• Unique two-tone with graphics exterior treatment represents a tribute to famed Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) Datsun 240Z racers
• 50th Anniversary Edition available on 370Z Coupe Sport grade in a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmissions
• 2020 370Z offered in 370Z, 370Z Sport and 370Z Sport Touring models – along with higher performance 370Z NISMO model

Five decades ago, a revolutionary Japanese sports car made its U.S. debut at the 1969 New York Auto Show. The two-door coupe was, for the era, both stylish and powerful. Best of all, with an MSRP of just over $3,500, it was affordable compared to other sports cars on the market. Known as the “Fairlady” Z in its home market, it came to America under the moniker of the 1970 Datsun 240Z. The rest, as they say, is a proud history that includes outstanding success in showrooms and racetracks alike. Now in its sixth generation, Nissan is celebrating 50 years of sports car passion with the 2020 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition.

The new 50th Anniversary Edition package is offered exclusively on the 370Z Coupe Sport grade and is available with both the 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions.

 

 

 

 

Its unique appearance pays tribute to the renowned Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) livery that adorned the famous BRE Datsun racers of the late 1960s and early 1970s – in a choice of two exterior two-tone color options: White/Red or Silver/Black with bold door stripes. Other exterior features include unique red wheel accents, black outside mirrors, 50th Anniversary side marker decals and 50th Anniversary rear badge. In addition, the standard Sport grade front chin and rear spoilers have been deleted.

 

 

The car’s unique interior treatment features leather/synthetic suede sport seats with red accents and logos, 50th Anniversary embossing on the seatbacks, leather/ Alcantara® steering wheel with top red stripe, 50th Anniversary badges on the tachometer and console, synthetic suede door panel inserts with red stitching, red contrast stitching and piping throughout the interior, dark silver 50th Anniversary kickplates and 4-way power heated seats.

 

In addition to the new 50th Anniversary Edition package, the 2020 370Z Coupe is available in three trim levels – 370Z (manual and automatic transmissions), 370Z Sport (manual, plus automatic on 50th Anniversary only) and 370Z Sport Touring (automatic transmission only). Also available is the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO [add hyperlink] with 18 additional horsepower, NISMO-tuned suspension, unique exterior panel treatments, 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum wheels by RAYS and more.

 

 

Five decades of sporty performance

As it has for the past 50 years, the 2020 370Z is built on the foundation of sporty style and exciting performance. The sixth-generation 370Z features a balanced FM (Front Midship) platform, advanced 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.

 

 

 

The 3.7-liter V6 engine’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) produces 332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm.

 

 

 

 

 

The engine is backed by a choice of two advanced transmissions. The close-ratio 6-speed manual includes an available synchronized downshift rev matching system (Sport 50th Anniversary Edition and Sport Touring models), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gearshift performance. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.

 

 

The available 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. With optimized torque converter lock-up logic, the 7-speed automatic feels very direct, like a manual transmission. The 7-speed’s wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency (versus a 5-speed automatic), while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver’s driving style. Paddle shifters are standard on the Sport Touring grade.

 

For 6-speed manual transmission-equipped 370Z models, driving response is enhanced through use of an EXEDY® high-performance clutch, which was developed in part through EXEDY’s longstanding relationship with Nissan Motorsports. The clutch is designed to feature better launching (from start), acceleration and deceleration. By offering a large reduction in pedal force, and more control at half-clutch, drivers can concentrate more on steering and throttle operation, resulting in enhanced driving pleasure.

 

 

Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for the 7-speed automatic and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway/20 mpg combined for the 6-speed manual transmission.

 

 

 

 

 

The double-wishbone front suspension uses lightweight forged aluminum arms, a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, and hollow construction stabilizer bar. The independent multi-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter than the previous generation design, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part (no welding). “High response” shock absorbers are utilized on each corner, with ride comfort enhanced through reduced shock friction.

 

 

 

Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced through use of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is standard.

 

 

 

 

The 370Z includes standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system that includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Sport and Sport Touring models add Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/ rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum red-finish calipers.

 

 

 

The 370Z features black-finished 18×8-inch front/18×9-inch 10-spoke lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R18 front/245/45R18 rear Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance summer tires. The 370Z Sport and Sport Touring grades offer split 5-spoke 19×9-inch front/19×10-inch rear RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires.

 

 

Unique red-accented 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are part of the 50th Anniversary Edition.

 

 

 

 

 

A Bold Exterior

The 370Z Coupe’s “dynamic motion” feel continues in 2020 with its dramatic roofline and a “low visual gravity.”

The sleek profile is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame.

 

 

 

 

High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon “boomerang shape” headlights with auto on/off feature and LED daytime running lamps are standard. The intense broad-shouldered rear shape is highlighted by the integration of the boomerang taillights and wide, flared rear fenders.

 

 

 

 

Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including a flashing side marker lamp/emblem (turn signal lamp not available on base 370Z). The rear fascia is accented by a red rear center reflector. A front chin spoiler and rear spoiler are standard on Sport (except 50th Anniversary Edition) and Sport Touring grades.

The coefficient of drag is 0.30 for the 370Z model and 0.29 for the Sport and Sport Touring grades. The 370Z Sport and Sport Touring grades also feature zero front lift and zero rear lift, thanks to extensive aerodynamics efforts.

 

Underlying the aggressive appearance of the 370Z Coupe is a light, highly rigid structure designed for enhanced performance. The FM platform provides a refined base for the well-proportioned body – which includes a 100.4-inch wheelbase, 167.5-inch overall length, 72.6-inch width and 51.8-inch height – giving it a classic sports car look and feel.

 

 

 

The body features aluminum door panels, along with an all-aluminum hood and an aluminum hatch. A front suspension cradle, rear structural reinforcements and an underbody “V-bar” are designed to help reduce front and rear lateral bending (versus the previous generation design). The design also uses a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthened rear fender and hatch areas.

 

 

 

The rear hatchback also features an electronic release, with the opening switch mounted on the center console between the cupholder and shifter lever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six exterior colors are available for 2020: Pearl White TriCoat, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Magnetic Black Pearl, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl and Passion Red TriCoat. The Passion Red TriCoat paint process uses a high brightness aluminum pigment in the base coat and Nano-pigment tinted clear coat to give it a vivid, jewel-like red color that looks different depending on the viewing angle.

 

 

 

The 50th Anniversary Edition is offered in two available two-tone exterior treatments – Gun Metallic/Magnetic Black Pearl and Pearl White TriCoat/Solid Red with graphics.

 

 

 

 

A Driver-Oriented Cockpit

The 370Z Coupe interior retains the traditional 2-seat sports car layout – built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger’s seat.

 

 

 

 

The instrument panel retains the traditional 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer include an “initial sweep” function, coming alive when the Z® is first started. The steering wheel is an “oval” 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching and large thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives.

 

 

 

 

The driver’s seat is uniquely different from the passenger’s seat, with lower seat cushion cutouts on the sides where the thighs rest – allowing the driver to push on the pedals without the seat fighting them. The seat frame is constructed to help hold the driver in place during cornering.

 

 

 

 

Both the driver and passenger’s seats are structured with an anti-slip material in the main seating surface. The sporty black woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver’s/4-way passenger manual adjustments.

 

 

 

 

 

Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders, dual overhead map lights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 6-speaker (versus the previous 4-speakers) audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. An auto-dimming mirror with RearView Monitor is standard on all 370Z models.

 

The Sport Touring model adds standard 4-way power adjustable heated sport seats with adjustable lumbar support, glove box damper, heated outside sideview mirrors, side turn signal lamp, aluminum-trimmed pedals and retractable cargo cover – along with black leather-appointed and synthetic suede seating and synthetic suede door panel inserts.

 

 

 

The Sport Touring models also include the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch VGA touch-sensitive display, NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) – along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Streaming audio via Bluetooth® and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

The Sport and Sport Touring models offer a Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofers), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) systems as standard. The ANC system generates canceling sound to help remove undesirable low frequency engine noise while preserving invigorating sounds of engine performance, providing a more “pure” sound. The system is also utilized on the Nissan GT-R. ASE enhances natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver’s acceleration experience.

The 50th Anniversary Edition interior includes Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel with center mark, unique interior stitching, 4-way power seats, 50th Anniversary leather-trimmed seats with unique stitching, 50th Anniversary logo in tachometer and unique anniversary kickplates.

The long list of standard safety and security features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags; seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Three Well-Equipped models

The 2020 370Z Coupe is offered in three well-equipped models: 370Z (manual and automatic), 370Z Sport (manual, plus automatic on 50th Anniversary only) and 370Z Sport Touring (automatic only).

 

 

 

 

Also available is the 370Z NISMO model with unique motorsports-inspired exterior, interior and powertrain treatments – including Recaro leather-appointed seats, 19-inch NISMO super-light forged wheels and an additional 18 horsepower (350 hp total).